We are delighted to announce that the concert this year will be held on 4^th August at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Chapel Street, Penzance TR184AP.

Tickets are a bargain at £10 and are available from Morrab Studio, Kings Arms in Paul, online and at the door.

We have been exceptionally lucky to recruit for the concert guest soloist Matthew Ioan Sims M.A.

Matthew found his passion for music early on in life and began singing at a young age.  At 14 he became a pupil of Welsh Soprano Patricia O’Neill.  After two years of study he joined the Welsh National Youth Opera (WNYO) and performed in several of their productions.  He was successful in obtaining prominent roles to include: Macheath (Beggar’s Opera), Pirelli (Sweeny Todd), Nanki-poo (Mikado), in Cardiff and at Belfast Opera House.

During his invaluable years with WNYO he was accepted as a student at The Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff. During his studies at the college Matthew became a member of the Welsh choir Only Men Aloud.

In 2011 Matthew was invited to study with International Tenor Dennis O’Neill at the Wales International Academy of Voice, Cardiff. This was under the auspices of The University of Wales, Trinity Saint David’s.

Matthew successfully graduated with a Master of Arts in Advanced Vocal Studies.

Matthew has performed at many concert venues in the UK and abroad and has participated in Masterclasses with many prominent musicians: Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dennis O’Neill, Rebecca Evans, Della Jones, Ryland Davies, Peter Wilson, Nelly Miricioiu to name but a few.

Throughout Matthew’s studies and personal successes, he has always had a passion for the Welsh male voice choir tradition. Matthew considers it a personal privilege to contribute to the tradition as the Musical Director of The Gwalia Singers, Swansea. This is the perfect pairing of Matthew’s two passions, singing and choirs.